Sonic the Hedgehog (Master System Version)Review

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The 8-bit version of the 16-bit classic.

By Lucas M. Thomas

Never assume you know Nintendo. Today's releases for the Virtual Console were all announced ahead of time, which is a rare event for the service -- SNK promised to provide Samurai Shodown II, Hudson was set to debut the RPG classic Ys Book I & II, and, to cap it all off, Capcom was ready to go with the original NES Mega Man. But then none of them showed up. Nintendo decided, for whatever reason, to release two completely different games instead. So never assume you know Nintendo, unless you're assuming that the company is going to screw with gamers' hopeful expectations again and again -- that one's looking to be a pretty safe assumption any more.

Sonic the Hedgehog is one of the two new VC titles that actually did appear for download in the Wii Shop today, and if you can get past the fact that Nintendo's release schedule is absolutely insane you'll find that this isn't a bad substitute for what we were expecting to see. This is the Master System version of the Genesis classic, an 8-bit down-port that took the debut adventure for SEGA's blazing blue mascot and made it available for players who hadn't yet made the leap to the next hardware generation in the early '90s. And though it isn't as visually appealing or as fast as the 16-bit edition that everyone knows and loves, this game is pretty good in its own right.

The story and setting are both the same -- you're Sonic the lightning-fast hedgehog, rushing through the familiar "zones" and doing battle against the villainous Dr. Robotnik in the occasional end-level boss fight. Your capabilities are also the same as the Genesis edition -- Sonic can run, jump and tuck into a ball to spin through enemies. So it gets the basics right. On the whole, Sonic Master is a capable conversion of the overall feel of Sonic Genesis.

Sonic's still got style, even without blast processing.

Where you'll notice differences between the two is in this edition's lack of the more dramatic elements of the original. For example, you can't pick up your dropped rings when an enemy hits you. That famous ring-scattering graphical effect was likely too much for the Master System to handle. Additionally, there are no loop-de-loops or other severe curves for Sonic to spin through -- the level design is more straightforward and tame. And there are no intricate, psychedelic backgrounds and crazy spinning effects in the bonus stages -- it's, again, more straightforward (though not any less fun).

That's the point that you eventually come to -- that, though Sonic Master is different and not as flashy as its 16-bit older brother, it's still fun to play since it gets the feel right. And it makes it worthwhile to consider as a separate download for its 500 Wii Point asking price, especially when you also consider the final positive point. Its levels are totally different.

They're tamer, yes, and are themed similarly (you're still getting "Green Hill Zone," "Labyrinth Zone" and the like), but the Master System Sonic's stages all have their own unique layouts made specifically for this version. That makes it feel more like a totally different game than a port. And also intriguing is that the Chaos Emeralds in this one aren't hidden in bonus stages -- they're in the normal, side-scrolling levels instead.

The Verdict

So, on the whole, this little 8-bit, step-down conversion of SEGA&#Array;s flagship mascot platformer is just curious and unique enough to merit both your consideration for download, and taking up its own space alongside the original in Nintendo&#Array;s Wii Shop. It&#Array;s lucky to get that space, too -- because, if today&#Array;s been any indication, it doesn&#Array;t even matter if you&#Array;ve put out an official press release to reserve your spot.

7.5PresentationIn a small step up over Sonic the Hedgehog’s Genesis edition, this version offers a brief map screen between levels that tracks Sonic’s progress.

7GraphicsThe flashy effects of the Genesis original were axed in the transition to the less capable Master System hardware, but the 8-bit look still conveys Sonic’s world well enough.

7.5SoundSome of Sonic’s signature themes sound pretty cool when sent through the Master System’s synthesizer. A well-converted soundtrack.

7GameplaySonic isn’t quite as fast and his world isn’t quite as crazy, but the core feel of classic side-scrolling Sonic is perfectly intact here.

7.5Lasting AppealInterestingly, because a comparatively few gamers have played this version versus those who’ve experienced the original 16-bit game again and again, it could arguably have more replay value.